Kerala: Violent clashes between KSU, DYFI activists; several injured, vehicles damaged

Alappuzha: Violent clashes erupted between the activists of Kerala Students Union, the student wing of Congress, and DYFI, the youth wing of ruling CPI(M), here on Saturday following which the police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse them.

The trouble began late in the evening when KSU activists taking part in a rally as part of the state KSU convention allegedly destroyed flag posts of CPI(M), reported ANI.

Kerala: Clashes broke out between members of Kerala Students Union & Democratic Youth Federation of India in Alappuzha after the 2 sides alleged each other of destroying their flags & festoons. Several people injured & vehicles damaged. Police used baton to control the situation. pic.twitter.com/a3tJ8eTDYv — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2018

A group of DYFI workers then marched to the venue of the meet and engaged in a heated argument, which resulted in a clash, the local police said.

Alappuzha District Congress President M Liju alleged that DYFI workers marched to the venue with sticks, pelted stones and also damaged the cars of Congress leaders, including that of Kodikunnel Suresh, MP.

He also alleged that several KSU activists were injured in the stone pelting by the DFYI activists.

Liju said that KPCC President MM Hassan was among those present at the venue when the incident occurred.

Both KSU and DYFI have called for a hartal in the city on Sunday. 

(With Agency inputs)